The Portland daily press., 1887-04-23

Il am very sorry, miss, but couldn't get
him to come"
"Why?"
HE would not so without his boots, and
they would not hang on any longer
rs your husband still out of work ?'
''Yes, miss" said the woman, sadly; "it's
just over three months now since he earned
a penny"
''But you get help from the parish?"
''Not farthing; they say we must go into
the House; they will not give outdoor relief
and jim, he's set against that. He can't bear
the idea of breaking up the home, poor as it
is; besides, we don't want to make paupers
of our children"
There was quite flash of pride in the
poor woman's white, hungry face as she
spoke.
"But you cannot go on like this'' said
Miss Burton, gently.
"Jim's got hopes of a job in week or two
he has been half promised, and it may lead
to something constant. go out washing
and charring four days a week; so If we can
only hold out little longer things may get
bit brighter soon. If 1t wasn't for the little
ones l should not mind; but it's hard to see
them hungry and the cupboard empty" The
mute suffering in the woman's face was far
more painful to witness than demonstra-
! tive grief
| Miss Burton laid her hand on her arm and
said: "Try and bear up, Mrs. Collier; you
have at least the consolation of knowing you
| do your best. AS to Bobby, tell him he is to
| come to school tomorrow. will arrange
about some new boots. mean we will see
to it among u.s."
Not waiting to hear the woman's thanks,
the teacher hurried away
Dinner was over in Propriety square. The
children, who always came down to dessert,
had been captured and carried off by their
nurse. Mr.. and Mrs. Chilblud had INDUCED
in quiet conversation about the arrange
ments for EthePs departure; fer Mr. Chill
blud had managed to see the doctor, who
highly approved of the country plan. Con-
sequently, it was to be put into execution
without loss of time.''
| I'VE shall miss her dreadfully," said Mrs
Chilblud, with tears in her eyes.
"Of course we SHALL" assented her hus-
| ~
make our feelings subservient to the child's
benefit, and with what sounded like sigh
he took out his tablets to look over some
memoranda pencllled on them.
Mrs. Chilblud bent over her work. and
there was silence, save for the cracking of
the fire and the subdued ticking of the time
piece.
1t was cold, duh evening, and the room
looked very comfortable with its handsome
furniture, rich, seft carpet, and heavy plush
curtains, on all of which the freight threw
a thousand dancing CLEANS.
Joseph" said Mrs. Chilblud, suddenly
looking up from her work, 81 want to ask
you something"
I'm all attention." replied her lord and
master.
Il was reading in the paper this morning
about child dying from overpressure. Is
it true? Do they really make them work so
hard in these Board schools?" Mrs Chill
blud's eyes were full of plying wonder,
which her husbands cold orbs quickly
quenched.
MY dear, pray do not you indulge in the
absurd, mock sentimentality that is so much
in vogue at the present time. These people
the parents, whose children can for a nom
inal sum receive an excellent education
hate to be dragged from their Indebtedness
and ignorance. Born in vice and darkness.
they would rear their offspring the same
way-they put forward every obstacle to pre-
vent the children's attendance at school, and
when forced to send them, they make CON-
plants about the amount of work. Those
cases of which you speak are rank imposi-
tions to work on the feelings of the public"
"But there was a letter the other day
signed, "A Teacher stating that far too
much is expected from young children. Did
you see it?"
Il cannot isay did; but l know the style
of thing. l came across a young woman
only this morning who is should imagine,
just the one to air her foolish notions in that
way; but probably she will have leisure fol
reflection presently, for l doubt if she will
be retained ON the staff after / send in my
report. l am determined-fully determined
to do all / can to crush out this abomin-
able spirit of resistance to the advance Of
education and the upholding of discipline. y
.''Yes, Joseph" said Mrs. Chilblud, re.
turning to her work, convinced that her hus-
band was, without exception, the wisest,
most far seeing, and learned Of men.